Industrial Factory Automation

The organisers of the Particle Summit, set to take place on 20-21 October 2010 in Cambridge, MA, have announced two further speakers for the event from Panalytical and Malvern Instruments. The Particle Summit is sponsored by Malvern Instruments. Dr Joerg Bolze from Panalytical will discuss 'Nanoparticle Size Distribution Determination by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering on a Multi-Purpose X-Ray Diffractometer Platform'. He will include a short introduction to the SAXS technique together with application examples illustrating its potential and limitations for liquid nanoparticle dispersions, nano-powders and nano-composites. In addition, Alon Vaisman from Malvern Instruments will present 'Particle Sizing - A Proven Technology for Process Control', in which he will describe how implementing on-line laser diffraction and real-time process control can maximise efficiency and eliminate out-of-spec production. These additions to the programme bring the number of speakers over...

Dow Basic Plastics Licensing and Catalysts has revealed that the Shenhua Baotou Coal Chemical Company is using its Unipol polypropylene (PP) technology. Shenhua Baotou Coal Chemicals Company's 300 KTA Polypropylene Facility came online earlier this month in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the People's Republic of China. According to the company, its gasification technology converts coal into a synthesis gas (or syngas); syngas is used to produce methanol, which is transformed into olefins - a building block for producing polypropylene. Unipol PP process technology is an all gas-phase process for producing a broad range of polypropylene resins. Its simple design is both consistent in terms of product quality and energy efficient, requiring no equipment for handling, separating or recycling solvents. The system's fluidised-bed reactors and high-performance SHAC catalyst systems give manufacturers the flexibility to produce homopolymers, random copolymers and impact copoly...

ABB has released an online tutorial video explaining the difference between mass and volume flow and how to decide which technique is appropriate for particular applications. The online tutorial is available to view on the ABB UK Instrumentation Youtube channel and is presented by ABB process flow specialist Mark Allinson. Confusion often arises over the difference between mass and volume flow measurement and when a particular measurement should be applied. Although both technologies will deliver almost identical results under certain conditions, the deviations that can occur where a process is subject to pressure and temperature changes makes it crucial to make the right choice from the outset. Understanding the effects of these deviations and how to correctly select the right flow variable can lead to significant improvements in process performance and cost-effectiveness. Allinson will explain the differences between mass and volume flow measurement and highlight the best technolog...

Rockwell Automation has released its Factorytalk Pharma Suite 2.1 software, incorporating electronic batch recording (EBR) capabilities to meet the needs of pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers. The new release extends the capabilities of the Pharma Suite by supporting a 'review by exception' methodology. With Pharma Suite 2.1, exceptions during batch recording can be reviewed and addressed in real time, not after the fact as is typical for paper-based or 'paper-on-glass' workflows. The exception handling during the EBR execution occurs during the manufacturing process, allowing the operator on the shop floor to address exceptions as the manufacturing rules are enforced in real time. This reduces wasted time, money and materials. Usability capabilities also allow quality personnel to start investigating process deviations as they occur on the shop floor, rather than wait for batch completion. Collected exceptions are the starting point for the batch review process...

Pfaudler has extended its range of glass-lined pH probes to include a ring-shaped option that is ideal for highly viscous products and suspensions with high solids contents. The new ring-shaped range can be installed in between two flanges directly into the pipeline. The specially designed ring-shaped pH probes are said to be simple to install, in any orientation, and require no nozzle or special process port, making them suitable for glass-lined and non-glass-lined systems. The probes also benefit from a free cross section, which prevents any disturbance of the product flow. Resistant to acid and pressure, the ring-shaped probes are self cleaning and require little maintenance.

Yaskawa has introduced next-generation product features to its A1000 vector control technology for induction motor and permanent magnet motor control. The A1000 is a premium inverter drive that is suitable for a wide field of applications. According to Yaskawa, it offers functional safety features, easy start-up and reliable operation. The A1000 is designed to provide cost reduction potentials during installation and operation. The latest version features an improved drive design and enhanced functions. Its small size and application-oriented design can improve performance, reliability and performance life. In use, the A1000 is also said to contribute to energy savings and reduce audible noise. For detailed information on the A1000, click the link on the right-hand side of the page.

Tecapeek, made with Victrex Peek polymer, is intended to improve the cooling jacket for the chamber that produces ions for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL's) Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). The new accelerator-based SNS is a facility that provides intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research and industrial development. When the ORNL sought to improve the cooling jacket for the aluminium nitride plasma chamber, it chose Ensinger-extruded Tecapeek made with Victrex Peek polymer in place of polycarbonate because of the material's dimensional stability under pressure, its low radio-frequency (RF) losses and its ability to be precisely machined, resulting in a one-part design solution. The plasma chamber containing the RF-driven multi-cusp ion source measures approximately 76mm (3in) in diameter and 178mm (7in) in length. The ions produced are formed into a pulsed beam and accelerated to very high temperatures. Dr Robert Welton for the SNS said: 'The pla...